The intense rivalry of Colombian football reignites as Bucaramanga host Once Caldas at the storied Estadio Américo Montanini in Bucaramanga on September 10, 2025. As part of the ever-unpredictable Primera A 2025 Clausura, this fixture kicks off at 04:30 CEST and comes at a pivotal moment in the league phase. Both clubs find themselves at crucial junctures — Bucaramanga are eager to consolidate their top-eight status, sitting 7th with 16 points, while Once Caldas urgently seek momentum from the 17th spot with only nine points to their name.
Fans can expect a technical battle shaped by the hands of experienced coaches Leonel Álvarez (Bucaramanga) and Hernán Herrera (Once Caldas), both known for tactical discipline and rapid on-field adjustments. Key players to watch include Bucaramanga’s creative force Fabián Sambueza, whose vision in midfield has turned tight games, and the mercurial Michael Barrios of Once Caldas, whose pace and directness will test any defensive line. Neither side will underestimate set piece threats — Gleyfer Medina’s recent scoring run and Jefry Zapata’s flair for Once Caldas offer further intrigue for neutral viewers and analysts alike.
A “hot stat” underscores Bucaramanga’s home strength: Over their last five matches at Estadio Américo Montanini, they have produced nine goals and 25 corners, underlining relentless attacking intent and set-piece prowess.
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Bucaramanga vs Once Caldas predictions
My best bet: Bucaramanga to win. Their defensive shape under Álvarez and recently improved attacking output at home — nine goals in five matches — make them the logical favorite. Once Caldas have struggled to convert possession into meaningful attacking chances, with their last five yielding only five goals, and a vulnerability to transition play that Bucaramanga’s pacy wide players can exploit.
Stylistically, both teams deploy a 4-2-3-1, favoring a controlled midfield and overlapping fullbacks. Bucaramanga have registered more fouls (32 vs 29) and yellow cards (18 vs 15), reflecting a combative edge in duels. Their superior pass accuracy (85 percent) and pressing ability should allow them to win the midfield battle, while Once Caldas’ higher interceptions (30 vs 17) indicate a resilience that may generate counter-attacking opportunities. If the match turns physical, discipline will be paramount; both sides have managed to avoid red cards recently, but foul accumulation could impact match tempo and open spaces late on.
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 9.5
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Bucaramanga vs Once Caldas Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Bucaramanga | Once Caldas |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 11 | 13 |
| Free kicks | 14 | 13 |
| Corner kicks | 6 | 7 |
| Total fouls | 14 | 15 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 79 | 76 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 11 |
| Offsides | 2 | 3 |
The previous two league meetings saw Once Caldas edge Bucaramanga 2-1 on both occasions, a nod to their clinical finishing in high-pressure moments. However, Bucaramanga were consistently competitive, registering similar shot totals, fouls, and corner opportunities. The margins have been fine, with set pieces and second-half pressing often tilting the contest. Given Once Caldas’s slightly better interception rate and tendency to exploit counter-attacks, Bucaramanga must be vigilant against quick transitions. Yet, with home advantage and greater attacking balance in current form, they appear well-placed to reverse those recent results.
🚨Read our full Bucaramanga vs Once Caldas stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Bucaramanga have netted nine goals in their last five matches, with Gleyfer Medina scoring twice in that stretch.
- Once Caldas have won three of their last five away fixtures across all competitions.
- Both teams use a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Bucaramanga averages 13 percent higher passing accuracy.
- Across the last six matches, Bucaramanga’s defense conceded just twice when playing at home.
- Once Caldas have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches, conceding at least one goal in each outing.
Bucaramanga vs Once Caldas score prediction: 2-0
Expect Bucaramanga’s strong home form and balanced attack, featuring Sambueza’s creativity and Medina’s finishing, to break down Once Caldas, who continue to struggle defensively. Defensive leader Jefferson Mena will anchor a backline keen to correct recent head-to-head disappointments. Once Caldas, reliant on Zapata and Barrios for offensive sparks, may find Bucaramanga’s midfield pressing and passing game difficult to overcome.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bucaramanga the favourite
| Moneyline | Bucaramanga 1.80 | Once Caldas 4.35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.20 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.67 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 1.83 | No 1.87 | |
Bookmakers rightfully back Bucaramanga as favorites with a 50 percent implied probability, based on current form, superior home results, and a potent attack. Once Caldas’s longer odds reflect their away struggles and challenges converting chances into goals. A low-scoring encounter is expected, as highlighted by the stronger “Under 2.5” pricing. Both teams to score is nearly balanced, suggesting bookmakers see Once Caldas netting as plausible but with Bucaramanga’s defensive record, that appears unlikely.
Bucaramanga vs Once Caldas Over/Under Analysis
- Four of Bucaramanga’s last five games have finished under 2.5 goals.
- Once Caldas have scored more than one goal only once in their last five matches.
- Bucaramanga have conceded just two goals at home in the last five outings.
- The last three H2H meetings have averaged just over two goals per match — caution in early phases is common.
- Corner counts have been high for both teams — indicative of wide play and aggressive approach in the final third.
Bucaramanga Preview
Bucaramanga’s recent run has been inspired by defensive compactness and clinical finishing at home. Their last outing, a commanding 3-1 victory over Alianza Petrolera, showcased versatility in attack, with goals from both midfield and forward lines. A setback against América de Cali (0-2) was swiftly corrected with confident displays against Pereira and another clean sheet versus América de Cali earlier in the phase. Álvarez’s men are pressing efficiently, registering high possession spells, robust duels, and a notable 72 total shots from their last five matches.
Bucaramanga possible starting eleven

- GK: Aldair Quintana
- DF: Jefferson Mena, Aldair Enrique Zarate Palma, José Daniel García Aragón, Carlos de las Salas
- MF: Fabián Sambueza, Kevin Londoño, Gustavo Charrupi, Leonardo Flores
- FW: Gleyfer Medina, Luciano Pons
Once Caldas Preview
Once Caldas enter this match after a recent run that has mixed narrow wins with lapses in concentration. Their last victory, a tough 1-0 scrap against Deportivo Pereira, highlighted defensive organization but also ongoing issues with goal conversion. Plays from Barrios and Zapata offer moments of flair, but support from midfield has been inconsistent, and maintaining shape against more athletic sides has been a repeated concern. Their setup produces chances — 62 total shots in five games — but only five goals scored underlines inefficiency.
Once Caldas possible starting eleven

- GK: James Aguirre
- DF: Jaider Riquett, Juan Cuesta, Juan Castano, Kevin Andres·Cuesta Rodriguez
- MF: Luis Sanchez, Iván Rojas, Mateo Zuleta García, Robert Mejia Navarrete
- FW: Jefry Zapata, Michael Barrios

Bucaramanga. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
As analysts at Tips.GG, we are tipping Bucaramanga to claim victory in a tightly-contested fixture. Their current home form and greater attacking threat provide the edge, despite previous away wins by Once Caldas in head-to-heads. Our AI prediction model assigns a 52 percent probability to a Bucaramanga win, 26 percent to a draw, and 22 percent to Once Caldas prevailing. Look for Bucaramanga’s midfield control and set-piece danger to prove decisive, with Once Caldas likely needing early success to have a chance.
How to watch Bucaramanga vs Once Caldas
- When? September 10, 2025. Kick-off at 04:30 CEST.
- Where? Estadio Américo Montanini, Bucaramanga.
- How to watch: National television (Win Sports), official streaming via DIMAYOR online platforms.
- Favorite: Bucaramanga.
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